Women Inspiring Women

Campaigns & Initiatives

WI campaigns are about changing things for the better and tackling the issues that matter to members. Members are at the heart of the WI and they play a central role in bringing issues onto the WI’s national agenda through our public affairs and campaigning.

Suggestions for initiatives are submitted each year by local branches via regional federations. These are then narrowed down to a short list by representatives from the federations. Local branches then consider and discuss the short-listed resolutions and select the one they would like to go forward for further discussion and final voting at the Annual Meeting.

The 2018-2019 Resolution Shortlist

Improving Plant Biosecurity in the UK

In recent years, trees and plants in the UK have come under threat from diseases introduced by imported and infected plants. The NFWI calls on the Government to implement a mandatory plant certification scheme to assure the public that the plants they buy and the soil and containers in which they are sold have been screened and are infection free.

2. Trees – Improving the Natural Landscape

To improve air quality, mitigate climate change, reduce flooding and erosion, and visually enhance the environments where we live, work and visit, the NFWI calls on WI Members to take action and plant trees, protect trees and woodland, enjoy the opportunities for nature in their local environment – and inspire others to do the same. The NFWI also calls on the government at both national and local levels to make a strenuous effort (and legislate where necessary) to increase the number of trees planted.

3. Pelvic Floor Education

Incontinence and prolapse are common conditions experienced by many women, especially after childbirth and the menopause. The NFWI calls upon the Government to provide increased pelvic floor education and treatment of related conditions, and to ensure the parity of access to services across the UK.

4. Suffering in Silence: End the Taboo Around Menstrual Health

The taboo around menstrual health, coupled with a lack of awareness, means that many women and girls are living with painful yet treatable menstrual conditions for years. The NFWI calls on the Government, schools and Health Service providers to improve menstrual health education and gynaecological services, thereby increasing early diagnosis and prompt treatment of any problems.

5. A Call Against the Decline in Local Bus Services

Over the last decade there has been a massive decline in the number of bus services, particularly of those in rural and semi-rural areas. In order to alleviate loneliness, improve health and well-being, as well as promoting sustainable development, the NFWI calls on the Government and local authorities to increase subsidies and work in partnership with bus companies and community transport operators to enable an adequate provision of services.

6. Don’t Fear the Smear

Cervical screening saves around 5000 lives a year, yet attendance at screening clinics is currenly at its lowest for a decade. The NFWI urges WI members to attend routine screening, to take action to raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening and address barriers to attendance to help eradicate cervical cancer.

At our monthly meeting on 11th January 2019, members were asked to vote for one of the resolutions. The results of the ballot for submission to Hampshire WI House in Eastleigh were as follows: